Arkansas' revamped offensive line
Much of last season's struggles started with the offensive line, specifically with the pass protection.
The addition of Corey Robinson II—one of the nation’s top-graded pass protectors in 2024—instantly elevates the group and allows former left Tackle Fernando Carmona to slide inside, strengthening the interior. Though he struggled at times in pass protection on the edge, Carmona enters the season as an Outland Trophy watchlist nominee. Now that he's shifted to a position that better fits his strengths (left guard), he may be poised to make an even stronger push for the award.
For the first time in two seasons, Arkansas has a true center anchoring the line, something it’s lacked since Ricky Stromberg departed after the 2022-23 season. Beaux Limmer was forced to play center after failing to find one in the portal when Marcus Henderson jumped ship. Addison Nichols did come from the portal in 2023-24's class, but he had also never played center at the collegiate level. Last season's struggles underline that unfortunate fact.
Now, with Kitler straddling the football, the Hogs finally have a proven center.
"When we were out there today, the communication, it felt like they had been here for two years," Carmona said during his July 31 press conference. "It doesn’t even feel like new guys. These guys have really dug into the playbook. Kitler’s been money with the calls when he’s out there. He’s sharp and he’s confident. So that just helps the whole O-line be right."
The right side guard and tackle are still in flux, but that’s due to an abundance of capable bodies. Between Kobe Branham, Keyshawn Blackstock, E’Marion Harris, and Shaq McRoy, the Hogs have the kind of depth that allows them to explore several effective combinations, something that was sorely missing a year ago.
While Green and the offensive line give Arkansas hope this season, there's still the other side of the ball to consider.
Next: Travis Williams built a solid linebacker room